When the baby starts to look fussy, uncomfortable, accompanied by vomiting to diarrhea, chances are he has digestive problems. As anticipation, come on, Mother, know more about the signs.
From birth, the baby's digestive system learns to process the intake of nutrients that enter the body through food. Since the digestive system is still in its developmental stage, babies are more susceptible to indigestion.
Recognizing Signs of Digestive Disorders in Babies
Indigestion in babies can actually be known through several signs, such as:
1. Vomit
Vomiting in infants is the most common sign of indigestion. However, vomiting is different from spitting up which is normal. Usually, symptoms begin with vomiting suddenly and can also be accompanied by fever or diarrhea.
During this time, the child's desire to eat or drink milk will decrease. Be careful if you feel that you change diapers less often because the diaper is dry, it could be that your little one has entered the dehydration stage.
2. Reflux
Have you ever seen your little one vomit after eating or being given milk? It could be a symptom of reflux in babies. Mothers do not need to panic too much because this is a normal thing to happen to babies and children.
This condition can occur because the baby's digestive system has not worked optimally, so stomach acid and food from the stomach return to the esophagus. Reflux can cause a burning sensation in the esophagus and chest, making the baby uncomfortable.
3. Colic
Colic in infants is a condition when the baby cries loudly for more than 3 hours. This condition is thought to occur due to digestive disorders that cause contractions in the baby's intestines to feel pain. Mothers also don't need to worry too much if your little one has colic because this is actually quite common in babies.
Colic can also be recognized by the baby often farting and pulling his legs up. Colic pain is generally more pronounced in the afternoon or early morning. This condition will gradually improve after the baby reaches the age of 3-4 months and will disappear after passing the age of 5 months.
4. Stomach bloating
In infants, flatulence can be caused by air entering and being trapped in the digestive tract, or gas that forms in the digestive tract when he digests food. Crying and bottle-feeding can also increase the risk of flatulence.
If your little one looks restless, fussy, and his stomach looks full, this may be due to gas in the digestive tract.
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea in infants is generally caused by a viral infection, namely rotavirus. This occurs when the baby is exposed to something contaminated with the virus, especially through food or drink. When your little one has diarrhea, the most important thing you have to do is make sure he doesn't lack fluids to avoid dehydration.
6. Constipation
Not only diarrhea, constipation in babies is also a sign of digestive problems. Generally, constipation is caused by changing the type of baby food, such as from breast milk to formula milk, or when you introduce solid food.
How to Overcome Digestive Disorders in Babies
Indigestion in infants is quite common. Therefore, it is important for the mother to know how to deal with it according to the condition of the little one. Here are things you can do:
- Give water every 5 minutes using a spoon or bottle to help prevent dehydration in your little one if he has diarrhea or vomiting.
- To overcome colic, reflux, and flatulence, calm your little one by gently rocking his body while carrying him on his shoulder. Take a bath with warm water and gently massage the abdomen. After that, breastfeed your baby in an upright position.
- Reduce solid foods for 1-2 days and give soft foods, and increase fluid intake, if you see your little one's stools look hard and dry, or he seems to have difficulty defecating.
- Cut back on formula feeding if you suspect that breastfeeding is causing your baby to have constipation or diarrhea. After that, consult a pediatrician.
In dealing with digestive disorders in babies, Mothers should remain calm. Try to pay attention to the condition of your little one's body and also the intake that you give him. Don't hesitate to consult a doctor to get advice on the right treatment, according to your little one's digestive problems.
